Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Ministerial Council on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Prime Minister's Office.
At the meeting, reports were given on both the progress of preparations for the “anticipated national response to implement smooth preparations for the formulation of the basic plan for the holding of the games,” and the state of preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2019.
The Prime Minister stated the following in his opening remarks.
“One year has passed since Tokyo’s selection as the host city for the Olympic Games, and six years and we must now accelerate preparations. As a festive event that involves the entire nation, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will give momentum to restoring the vitality of Japan. We will endeavor to ensure that the benefits of the Games are fully experienced throughout the country, by advancing measures such as the “Host City/Town Concept,” in which local government bodies in each region will participate.
In particular, we must show the world how the areas that were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake have made such a magnificent recovery. We will further deepen the discussions which have already begun with the three affected prefectures, hold a sacred-flame relay, and ensure that the Games will serve to support the recovery of the affected regions.
The Basic Plan to determine the framework of the Olympic Games will be formulated next February. The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has established a Secretariat comprising of representatives from diverse fields, enabling nation-wide participation in the measures to be implemented.
Recently, my Cabinet also made a new start. I would like every member of the Cabinet to think of themselves as being in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and to come up with new ideas as we work together to achieve a successful event, regardless of whether you were already a member, or are newly appointed.
Also, we need to rapidly and steadily proceed with preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2019. I would like to request the entire government to make further concerted, proactive efforts to bring about the resounding success of both events.”